Cartier excels as an ultra-stylish and sophisticated luxury jewellery and watch brand with a rich history. Among its iconic creations, the Cartier Love jewellery collection holds a special place, celebrated for its sleek design and emblematic symbolism. The Cartier Love Bracelet, introduced in 1969, is a particularly coveted design which is extensively replicated and sadly often also counterfeited, along with other collection designs. Avoiding Cartier dupes is a challenge for consumers seeking authenticity, particularly in unofficial marketplaces such as eBay, online auction sites and social media sales channels. To navigate this pitfall, it’s crucial to understand how to distinguish a fake vs real Cartier Love bracelet, bangle, ring, necklace or earrings.
FAKE VS REAL CARTIER LOVE BRACELET
As the most prolific Cartier dupe we will focus on sharing the most obvious ways to identify a fake vs real Cartier Love bracelet, although it is fair to say that most of the same principles equally apply across the rest of the collection and any other Cartier Jewellery. Cartier is renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. Real vs fake Cartier Love bracelets, rings, and necklaces are meticulously crafted from high-quality materials such as 18k gold or platinum. Each piece undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure flawless construction and finishing. Counterfeit versions often lack the precision and attention to detail found in authentic Cartier jewelry, with inferior materials and craftsmanship evident upon close examination. Let’s explore these points further:
Genuine Cartier Love Bracelet & Pave Set Love Ring
MATERIALS USED IN THE CARTIER LOVE COLLECTION
Only the superior and weighty precious metals of Platinum or 18k Yellow, Rose or White Gold are used in real vs fake Cartier Love jewellery pieces. There is no such thing as a sterling silver Cartier Love bracelet, a gold vermeil Cartier Love necklace, gold plated Cartier Love Earrings or a silver Cartier Love ring!
It is also important to recognise that hallmarked purity details of “750” for 18k gold or “950” for platinum stamped on the jewellery cannot be singularly relied upon to confirm the material either, as these too can be fake. And indeed neither does a genuine purity hallmark confirm jewellery as Cartier, it purely confirms the material. A clearer giveaway of a Cartier dupe bracelet however is signs of flaking or tarnishing. Although genuine materials may lose some lustre over time, they will not flake or tarnish unlike inferior materials or plating which are never used by Cartier.
For models with gemstones such as the 4, 6, or 10 diamond set bracelets where diamonds replace ‘screws’ or pave set designs where diamonds encrust the band, the gemstones are always natural diamonds. In the words of Cartier ‘By enhancing nature’s beauty, Cartier only selects natural gemstones for the Maison’s jewelry creations. Synthetic and imitation materials are excluded from the Maison’s jewelry collections’. Imitations may however use cheaper diamond alternates such as Cubic Zirconia which are generally less luminous and reflective than a natural diamond. Under natural light, Cubic Zirconia also gives an iridescent versus white light effect.
It is the materials as well as the ‘Cartier brand’ that influence price. In 2024 new authentic Cartier Love Bracelets range from £4.5k for the small model to over £45k for one of the pave diamond set 18K white gold designs. While the allure of a bargain may be tempting, low prices should raise red flags when purchasing Cartier Love jewellery. Authentic Cartier pieces command premium prices commensurate with their quality and craftsmanship. Discounted or low-priced items are typically indicators of replicas or counterfeit merchandise.
Fake Vs Real Cartier Love Bracelet & Ring
CARTIER ENGRAVING
In addition to the hallmarking mentioned above, real vs fake Cartier Love bracelets bear distinct Cartier engravings that serve to identify their legitimacy. Look for the “Cartier” logo along with a unique serial number and bracelet size of 16,17,18,19 or 20 engraved on the inner side, providing further verification of authenticity. Counterfeiters may attempt to replicate these markings, but they often fall short in accuracy and clarity, for example, smudged logos, uneven font spacing and rough edges. Genuine Cartier font engraving is bold, sharp and smooth to the touch. Any difference between the engraved bracelet size and the exact wrist diameter in centimetres, which is the measurement indicated by the size, is another red flag.
CARTIER LOVE BRACELET CLOSURE MECHANISM & SCREWS
The iconic cufflike structure adorned with screw motifs and screw closure are features which help identify a fake vs real Cartier Love bracelet. Authentic bracelets feature a smooth, seamless closure mechanism that aligns perfectly when fastened which requires use of the accompanying Cartier Love screwdriver. The ‘hinged’ design when screwed together creates the look of a ‘permanent’ bracelet, a symbol of an unbreakable bond of love. The screws themselves are crafted with precision and security features to deter tampering in a unique Cartier slotted design. They are never for example cross, square or torq heads.
PACKAGING & DOCUMENTATION
Genuine Cartier Love jewellery is presented in luxurious packaging, complete with a certificate of authenticity and accompanying documentation. Pay attention to the details of the packaging, including the box, pouch, and any accompanying literature, as counterfeiters often overlook the standard of these elements or use substandard materials. In fake vs real Cartier packaging the usually distinctive red Cartier colour can often be darker and duller and the gold lettering or motif is similarly not as shiny as the genuine embossing. Additionally, authentic Cartier pieces are accompanied by a warranty card and serial number that can be verified through Cartier’s official channels.
Genuine Cartier Love Bracelet
RELIABLE CARTIER TRADER
Counterfeit techniques are continually improving making it ever easier to be duped with a fake jewellery purchase. Particularly with notable brands such as Cartier, Tiffany and Bvlgari, whose desirability drives high investment demand, it is always preferable to find a validated and trusted dealer – official Cartier boutiques for new Cartier purchases or a pre-owned luxury Cartier jewellery specialist for second-hand purchases. Our retail store S&R Jewellers has a range of fully authenticated second-hand Cartier jewellery available for purchase online and our in-store experts are available to advise and guide you in the benefits of preloved luxury jewellery buying.
AVOIDING A CARTIER DUPE
In summary, to recognise the differences between a fake vs real Cartier love bracelet, ring or other jewellery, real familiarity with the genuine article, is pivotal. Check materials, engraving, features and packaging, as variation in any one of these elements may help you identify a Cartier dupe. Price is another key factor with new authentic Cartier Love Bracelets ranging from £4.5k to over £45k in 2024
LOAN OR SELL CARTIER JEWELLERY
At Suttons & Robertsons Pawnbrokers our expert jewellery buying team offers valuations on Cartier bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings, including the popular Cartier Love bracelet. Selling or borrowing against luxury jewellery provides a fast and simple way to unlock the value of these precious assets. Get a quote to sell Cartier jewellery or apply for a loan via our online pawn service today.
Also read about authenticating Van Cleef Jewellery and Tiffany Jewellery.
